Daily EV news · US · 30 January 2026
EV Charging
Federal court rules USDOT's NEVI pause unlawful as states show continued commitment despite low reimbursement rates
District Judge Tana Lin ruled that the US Department of Transportation's February to August pause of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme violated the Administrative Procedure Act, siding with states and NGOs who challenged the halt. The judgment revealed that whilst reimbursement rates for NEVI funds remain low, state obligations indicate plans to continue federally funded charging infrastructure build out. States now face uncertainty from a pending FY 2026 appropriations bill that would transfer 879 million dollars in NEVI funds to other Federal Highway Administration programmes.
Why it matters
The ruling restores legal certainty for CPOs and contractors pursuing NEVI funded projects, though the threat of 879 million dollars in redirected funding creates fresh procurement risk. Low reimbursement rates signal potential cash flow challenges for operators awaiting federal payments on completed installations.
U.S. Department of Transportation · Eno Center for Transportation · Source
Electric Vehicles
King County Metro deploys 89 Gillig battery buses with 123 pantograph chargers at new Tukwila depot
King County Metro will launch its next generation of battery electric buses on 2 February 2026, with 89 Gillig 40ft units entering service on six routes from the new Tukwila Base. The depot houses 123 pantograph chargers for a 120 bus capacity, and each vehicle offers 240 to 280 miles of range. Metro holds an option to purchase up to 395 additional buses if the initial order performs as expected, supporting its zero emission fleet target by 2035.
Why it matters
The deployment demonstrates large scale pantograph charging infrastructure at depot level and establishes a procurement pathway for nearly 500 buses, signalling sustained demand for charging hardware and installation services. The 240 to 280 mile range requirement sets a performance benchmark for future North American transit electrification tenders.
Green Mountain Transit pulls entire electric bus fleet from service
Green Mountain Transit in Vermont has taken all of its electric buses out of commission, according to WCAX. The transit agency has not disclosed the number of affected vehicles or the technical cause behind the withdrawal. The move halts EV bus operations across the operator's network.
Why it matters
Fleet wide groundings signal potential reliability or safety concerns that procurement teams and charging infrastructure operators must monitor, particularly as transit agencies accelerate electrification commitments and CPOs plan depot charging investments.